Delmar E. Valine Sr.
Delmar E. Valine Sr. , 91, of East Carondelet, IL, born Friday, May 2, 1919, in Glen Carbon, Illinois, died Monday, March 14, 2011 at Columbia Convalescent Center in Columbia, IL.
Del enjoyed working with his business, fraternal and civic minded associates and developed many lasting friendships. He began his business career in 1937 with Swift & Co. at National City, IL. After 21 years at Swift, he resigned his purchasing agent duties to accept a job as the assistant to the president of the St. Louis National Stockyards Co. This position was followed by his appointment as the executive secretary of the National Museum of Transport in St. Louis, MO. Del retired in 1981 as a vice president of First Illinois Bank in East St. Louis, IL
Besides Delmar's first priority, his family, perhaps he will be best remembered by his life-long dedication to fraternal and civic organizations. He was a 50 year member of Columbia Lodge 474, AF&AM in Columbia, IL, Scottish Rite Bodies, York Rite Bodies, Ainad Shrine, past director of . Southern Illinois Court 86 R.O.J, American Legion Post 485 in Dupo, IL, U.S. Navy Veteran, past Chef de Gare 40 & 8 in Monroe and St. Clair Counties.
Del contributed to over half of century of dedicated community service to the following organizations: Chairman of Southwest Regional Port District of Illinois; Director of First Illinois Bank in East St. Louis; Director of Target 2000; Secretary-Treasurer of Gateway Center of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc; Executive Vice President of East Side Associated Industries; Republican Precinct Committeeman of Sugar Loaf Township; Past President of Dupo Parent Teachers Assn.; Mayor of Dupo from 1945-1949 (youngest Mayor in the State of Illinois); Member of Dupo School Board District 193 from 1955-1956; Past Member of Selective Service Board 190 in East St. Louis; Past Member of Board of Trustees at Christian Welfare Hospital in East St. Louis; Past President of Chamber of Commerce in East St. Louis; Past Director of American Red Cross in St. Clair County Region; Past President of Boys Club in East St. Louis; Past Member of Federal Agricultural Advisory Committee to the Secretary of Agriculture from 1964-1970; Past President of East St. Louis Rotary Club; Past Director of St. Mary's Hospital in East St. Louis; Past Director of St. Mary's Health Foundation, Inc in East St. Louis; Past Director of Southwestern Illinois Agency on Aging; Past Director of Katherine Dunham Museum; Past Director of Inland Rivers Ports and Terminals; Honorary State Farmers Degree for Illinois and Missouri Future Farmers of America, 1963; Boys Club of America Medallion Award, 1969; Boys Club Silver Keystone Award in 1980.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Wife of 52 years: Geraldine "Judy" nee Goley Valine
- Parents: Edmond and Clara nee Schon Valine
- Sister: Lavern Valine
Surviving are his:
- Children
- Jayne M. (Marvin) Klein of East Carondelet, IL
- Linda L. Hay of Belleville, IL
- Delmar E. (Carol) Valine Jr of Moscow Mills, MO
- 6 Grandchildren
- Rebecca (Dr. David) Biss
- Amy Wideman
- Robert (Silvia) Hay
- James (Loretta) Hay
- Tyler (Tracy) Valine
- Andrew Valine
- 6 Great Grandchildren
- Austin
- Ethan & Summer
- Jacob & Savannah
- Jackson
Memorials: Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Christ United Church of Christ in Dupo, IL.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4-8 P.M., Thursday, March 17, 2011 at the Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL. There will be a Jester walk through at 7:13 pm Thursday at the funeral home.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, March 18, 2011 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Pastor Kim Kelly officiating. Entombment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory Mausoleum, Belleville, IL.